Fuel cell temperature control method, system, fuel cell, and storage medium
By adjusting the thermostat opening based on temperature difference and overheating time in the fuel cell cooling system, the compatibility issue of the fuel cell cooling system between different vehicle models was solved, achieving stable temperature control and extended lifespan.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- CN202110746610.6
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Patents(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2021-07-01
- Publication Date
- 2026-02-17
- Estimated Expiration
- 2041-07-01
AI Technical Summary
The inconsistent size of the cooling inlet in existing fuel cell systems leads to inconsistent thermostat resistance and water flow during blending, resulting in a large temperature difference between the inlet and outlet. This makes it difficult to accommodate the adjustment parameters of different vehicle models, affecting the operational stability and lifespan of the fuel cell.
By determining whether the stack water temperature has reached the preset temperature, and adjusting the opening of the thermostat based on the temperature difference between the inlet and outlet and the overheating time, precise control of the fuel cell temperature is achieved, ensuring that neither the inlet nor the outlet temperature exceeds the limit. A PI control strategy is used to optimize the adjustment speed.
It achieves stable temperature control of fuel cells, avoids overheating, extends the service life of fuel cells, and adapts to the compatibility requirements of different vehicle models.
Smart Images

Figure CN115566230B_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This invention relates to the field of fuel cell technology, and specifically to a fuel cell temperature control method, system, fuel cell, and storage medium. Background Technology
[0002] In order to reduce environmental pollution and alleviate energy pressure, a wave of research on new energy vehicles has swept the world since the last century. Currently, the mainstream types are battery-powered pure electric vehicles, hybrid electric vehicles, and fuel cell vehicles.
[0003] Hydrogen fuel cells typically consist of a proton exchange membrane and dual electrodes. They are devices that produce water and electricity through the reaction of hydrogen and oxygen. The reaction process does not involve intermediate devices, resulting in high energy efficiency. Furthermore, the only reaction product is water, which does not pollute the environment, making them truly pollution-free and zero-emission vehicles. Proton exchange membrane fuel cells are the ideal energy source for future automobiles.
[0004] Fuel cell engines require a suitable operating temperature; excessively high or low temperatures can negatively impact engine efficiency and lifespan. To ensure the fuel cell reaches its optimal operating temperature as quickly as possible and achieves best performance, the cooling system needs to be designed as a switchable large and small circulation system. This allows for rapid temperature rise when the fuel cell is low and cooling through an external heat dissipation system when the temperature is high.
[0005] When the temperature is low, in order to ensure that the fuel cell can start up quickly at low temperatures, it is necessary to adjust to a small circulation mode through the thermostat;
[0006] Once the fuel cell reaches its optimal temperature, the thermostat angle is adjusted to mix the coolant in the main circulation loop with the coolant in the secondary circulation loop for cooling.
[0007] When the final large-cycle temperature matches the small-cycle temperature, the thermostat opens fully, and the cooling system controls the coolant temperature to ensure the stability of the fuel cell's operating temperature.
[0008] However, the existing cooling system has inconsistent large and small circulation ports, which leads to inconsistencies in the mixing process, the resistance of the thermostat's large and small circulation ports, and the water flow rate. During the thermostat opening process, although the inlet temperature meets the target value, the large temperature difference between the fuel cell stack inlet and outlet may cause the outlet to overheat. In addition, there are differences in the flow resistance of the pipelines throughout the vehicle, resulting in inconsistent thermostat adjustment parameters for different models, making them difficult to be compatible. Summary of the Invention
[0009] The technical problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a more compatible fuel cell temperature control method, system, fuel cell, and storage medium.
[0010] To solve the above-mentioned technical problems, the first technical solution adopted by the present invention is as follows:
[0011] A fuel cell temperature control method, characterized by comprising:
[0012] Determine whether the fuel cell stack water temperature has reached the preset temperature. If not, close the thermostat. If so, adjust the thermostat based on the difference between the inlet temperature and the target inlet temperature, the difference between the outlet temperature and the target outlet temperature, and the expected time for the inlet and outlet temperatures to exceed the target temperatures.
[0013] To solve the above-mentioned technical problems, the second technical solution adopted by the present invention is as follows:
[0014] A fuel cell temperature control system, including
[0015] Determine whether the fuel cell stack water temperature has reached the preset temperature. If not, close the thermostat. If so, adjust the thermostat using a PI control based on the difference between the inlet temperature and the target inlet temperature, the difference between the outlet temperature and the target outlet temperature, and the expected time for the inlet and outlet temperatures to exceed the target temperatures.
[0016] To solve the above-mentioned technical problems, the third technical solution adopted by the present invention is as follows:
[0017] A fuel cell includes a stack and a cooling system connected to the stack. The cooling system includes a large cooling loop, a small cooling loop, and a thermostat that controls the mixing of the large and small cooling loops. The thermostat is controlled by the aforementioned fuel cell temperature control method.
[0018] To solve the above-mentioned technical problems, the fourth technical solution adopted by the present invention is as follows:
[0019] A computer-readable storage medium having a computer program stored thereon, which, when executed by a processor, implements the above-described fuel cell temperature control method.
[0020] The beneficial effects of this invention are as follows: During the mixing process of the large and small circulation loops, the thermostat adjusts the inlet water temperature of the fuel cell stack while simultaneously adjusting the outlet water temperature. When the inlet temperature approaches the target value, the thermostat controls the inlet temperature to ensure the system inlet does not exceed the temperature limit; when the outlet temperature approaches the target value, the thermostat controls the outlet temperature to ensure the system outlet does not exceed the temperature limit; when the temperature difference is large, the outlet temperature approaches the target value first, at which point the thermostat opens to lower the inlet temperature, ensuring the outlet temperature does not exceed the temperature limit. This method ensures that both the inlet and outlet water temperatures do not exceed the temperature limit, allowing the fuel cell to continue operating stably through the mixing process. It also exhibits strong adaptability, ensuring the fuel cell does not exceed the temperature limit, automatically adjusting the thermostat opening according to the water flow rate, and maintaining temperature stability, thus extending the fuel cell's lifespan. Attached Figure Description
[0021] Figure 1 This is a flowchart illustrating a fuel cell temperature control method according to a specific embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Implementation
[0022] To explain in detail the technical content, objectives, and effects of the present invention, the following description is provided in conjunction with the embodiments and accompanying drawings.
[0023] Please refer to Figure 1 A fuel cell temperature control method, comprising:
[0024] Determine whether the fuel cell stack water temperature has reached the preset temperature. If not, close the thermostat. If so, adjust the thermostat based on the difference between the inlet temperature and the target inlet temperature, the difference between the outlet temperature and the target outlet temperature, and the expected time for the inlet and outlet temperatures to exceed the target temperatures.
[0025] Furthermore, the thermostat calculates the adjustment speed based on the expected time for the inlet temperature to exceed the target temperature, and corrects the adjustment speed based on the expected time for the outlet temperature to exceed the target temperature.
[0026] Furthermore, the thermostat adjusts its angle based on the difference between the inlet temperature and the inlet target temperature, the difference between the outlet temperature and the outlet target temperature, and the adjustment speed and / or the corrected adjustment speed.
[0027] Furthermore, the time it takes for the inlet to exceed the target temperature is obtained based on the inlet temperature rise rate and the heat output power of the fuel cell.
[0028] Furthermore, the time it takes for the outlet to exceed the target temperature is obtained based on the outlet temperature rise rate and the heat output power of the fuel cell.
[0029] A fuel cell temperature control system, including
[0030] Determine whether the fuel cell stack water temperature has reached the preset temperature. If not, close the thermostat. If so, adjust the thermostat using a PI control based on the difference between the inlet temperature and the target inlet temperature, the difference between the outlet temperature and the target outlet temperature, and the expected time for the inlet and outlet temperatures to exceed the target temperatures.
[0031] Furthermore, the thermostat calculates the adjustment rate of the PI parameter based on the expected time for the inlet temperature to exceed the target temperature, and corrects the calculated adjustment rate of the PI parameter based on the expected time for the outlet temperature to exceed the target temperature.
[0032] A fuel cell system includes a fuel cell stack and a cooling system connected to the fuel cell stack. The cooling system includes a large cooling loop, a small cooling loop, and a thermostat that controls the mixing of the large cooling loop and the small cooling loop. The thermostat is controlled by the aforementioned fuel cell temperature control method.
[0033] Furthermore, when the inlet temperature of the fuel cell stack approaches the target value, the thermostat is adjusted to control the inlet temperature;
[0034] When the fuel cell stack outlet temperature approaches the target value, the thermostat is adjusted to control the outlet temperature.
[0035] When the temperature difference between the inlet and outlet of the fuel cell stack exceeds the threshold, if the outlet temperature approaches the target value first, the thermostat is activated to reduce the inlet temperature.
[0036] A computer-readable storage medium having a computer program stored thereon, characterized in that the program, when executed by a processor, implements the above-described fuel cell temperature control method.
[0037] As described above, during the mixing process of the large and small circulation loops, the thermostat adjusts the inlet water temperature of the fuel cell stack while simultaneously adjusting the outlet water temperature. When the inlet temperature approaches the target value, the thermostat controls the inlet temperature to ensure that the system inlet does not exceed the temperature limit; when the outlet temperature approaches the target value, the thermostat controls the outlet temperature to ensure that the system outlet does not exceed the temperature limit; when the temperature difference is large, the outlet temperature approaches the target value first, at which point the thermostat opens to lower the inlet temperature, ensuring that the outlet temperature does not exceed the temperature limit. This method can ensure that both the inlet and outlet water temperatures do not exceed the temperature limit, thus enabling the fuel cell to continue operating stably through the mixing process. It has strong adaptability, ensures that the fuel cell does not exceed the temperature limit, can automatically adjust the thermostat opening according to the water flow, and maintains stable temperature, thus extending the fuel cell life.
[0038] Example 1
[0039] A fuel cell temperature control method, comprising:
[0040] S1. Determine if the water temperature has reached the preset temperature. If not, proceed to S13.
[0041] S2. After the preset temperature is reached, calculate the rate of change of the actual inlet temperature.
[0042] S3. Calculate the heat output power of the fuel cell;
[0043] S4. Based on the heat generation and the actual rate of change of the inlet temperature, predict the time for the inlet temperature to exceed the limit.
[0044] S5. Simultaneously, calculate the rate of change of the actual outlet temperature;
[0045] S6. Calculate the heat output power of the fuel cell;
[0046] S7. Based on the heat generated and the actual rate of change of the outlet temperature, predict the time for the outlet temperature to exceed the limit.
[0047] S8. Calculate the adjustment rate of the PI parameter based on the expected time when the inlet temperature will exceed the target temperature;
[0048] S9. Adjust the adjustment speed of the calculated PI parameter based on the expected time when the outlet temperature will exceed the target temperature;
[0049] S10. Calculate the difference between the inlet temperature and the target inlet temperature;
[0050] S11. Calculate the difference between the outlet temperature and the target outlet temperature;
[0051] S12. Perform PI calculation to ensure that the inlet and outlet temperatures do not exceed the target values;
[0052] S13. When the water temperature is lower than the preset temperature, the thermostat will be turned off.
[0053] Example 2
[0054] A fuel cell temperature control system, including
[0055] Determine whether the fuel cell stack water temperature has reached the preset temperature. If not, close the thermostat. If so, adjust the thermostat using a PI control based on the difference between the inlet temperature and the target inlet temperature, the difference between the outlet temperature and the target outlet temperature, and the expected time for the inlet and outlet temperatures to exceed the target temperatures.
[0056] The thermostat calculates the adjustment rate of the PI parameter based on the expected time it takes for the inlet temperature to exceed the target temperature, and corrects the calculated adjustment rate of the PI parameter based on the expected time it takes for the outlet temperature to exceed the target temperature.
[0057] The time it takes for the inlet temperature to exceed the target temperature is obtained based on the inlet temperature rise rate and the heat output power of the fuel cell.
[0058] The time it takes for the outlet to exceed the target temperature is obtained based on the outlet temperature rise rate and the heat output power of the fuel cell.
[0059] Example 3
[0060] A fuel cell system includes a fuel cell stack and a cooling system connected to the fuel cell stack. The cooling system includes a large cooling loop, a small cooling loop, and a thermostat that controls the mixing of the large cooling loop and the small cooling loop. The thermostat is controlled by the fuel cell temperature control method described in Example 1.
[0061] When the inlet temperature of the fuel cell stack approaches the target value, the thermostat is adjusted to control the inlet temperature.
[0062] When the fuel cell stack outlet temperature approaches the target value, the thermostat is adjusted to control the outlet temperature.
[0063] When the temperature difference between the inlet and outlet of the fuel cell stack exceeds the threshold, if the outlet temperature approaches the target value first, the thermostat is activated to reduce the inlet temperature.
[0064] Example 4
[0065] A computer-readable storage medium having a computer program stored thereon, which, when executed by a processor, implements the fuel cell temperature control method described in Embodiment 1.
[0066] The above description is merely an embodiment of the present invention and does not limit the patent scope of the present invention. Any equivalent modifications made based on the content of the present invention's specification and drawings, or direct or indirect applications in related technical fields, are similarly included within the patent protection scope of the present invention.
Claims
1. A fuel cell temperature control method characterized by, include S1. Determine if the water temperature has reached the preset temperature. If not, proceed to S13. S2. After the preset temperature is reached, calculate the rate of change of the actual inlet temperature. S3. Calculate the heat output power of the fuel cell; S4. Based on the heat generation and the actual rate of change of the inlet temperature, predict the time for the inlet temperature to exceed the limit. S5. Simultaneously, calculate the rate of change of the actual outlet temperature; S6. Calculate the heat output power of the fuel cell; S7. Based on the heat generated and the actual rate of change of the outlet temperature, predict the time for the outlet temperature to exceed the limit. S8. Calculate the adjustment rate of the PI parameter based on the expected time for the inlet temperature to exceed the target temperature; S9. Adjust the adjustment rate of the calculated PI parameter based on the expected time for the outlet to exceed the target temperature; S10. Calculate the difference between the inlet temperature and the target inlet temperature; S11. Calculate the difference between the outlet temperature and the target outlet temperature; S12. Perform PI calculation to ensure that the inlet and outlet temperatures do not exceed the target values; S13. When the water temperature is lower than the preset temperature, the thermostat will be turned off.
2. A fuel cell characterized by The fuel cell stack includes a fuel cell stack and a cooling system connected to the fuel cell stack. The cooling system includes a large cooling loop, a small cooling loop, and a thermostat that controls the mixing of the large cooling loop and the small cooling loop. The thermostat is controlled by the fuel cell temperature control method of claim 1.
3. A computer-readable storage medium having stored thereon a computer program, characterized in that, When the program is executed by the processor, it implements the fuel cell temperature control method of claim 1.
Citation Information
Patent Citations
Waterway switching control method and device for fuel cell cooling system and storage medium
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Fuel cell system temperature control method
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